Rudder pedals are not "necessary". The X52's have a twist stick for the rudder. I just like the rudder pedals for things like helo's and air racing. They are usefull during landings and when taxiing due to the brake pedals and differential steering.
Personaly I would get the tir4: pro and the trackclip pro, which is what I'm using now. The ultra pack comes with rFactor and BoB II, both are great sims.
http://www.gogamer.com/TrackIR-4-Pro...VVviewprod.htm